Irish Business - If you are Irish and have a business anywhere in the world, this directory is a place for you to add a business, search for other businesses and network with Irish business people worldwide.

Age Card issued by the Gardai (The final decision on what is appropriate
identification rests with the financial institution).

What can I use as proof of address?

A recent household bill (for example ESB bill or Telephone bill)

Pension book issued to use from the Department of Social and Family
Affairs

For those returning with the Safe-Home Programme, Safe-Home will give you
a letter to say that you have been offered housing. The address of the
property will be included in the letter.

Is it difficult to open a bank account in Ireland?

Yes, it can be. Some people who have returned home have experienced great
difficulty in opening bank accounts. You should be aware that you may experience
initial difficulty in opening a bank account as every bank has different rules.

What are my options when opening a bank account?

You should check what options the different banks offer you and choose the
one that is best for you. Banks and Building Societies offer similar banking
services and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cards.
Bank charges are high – check the costs before you open an account. At the
time of publication, Permanent TSB does not charge its customers for bank
charges. Credit Unions are a also a good option and their charges are less than
well known banks.

How long will it take?

It may take up to 3 weeks before your bank account is set up and ready for
use, therefore, you should have some ‘ready cash’ to keep you going until your
account is ready for you to use.

How do I bring money home from abroad?

If you are in such a fortunate position, you should hire a competent
accountant in Ireland who is knowledgeable about the tax agreement with the
country from which you are returning.

Where can I get independent advice and information about banking
products and services?

The Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) provide consumer
information and
education about the costs, risks and benefits of financial products. If you
require further
information, you should contact:

If I need help with my household budget or managing my money on my
return who can help me?

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is a free and confidential
service for people in Ireland with debt and money management problems. There are
MABS offices all over Ireland, staffed by trained Money Advisers. Money Advisers
will:

Help you deal with your debts and create a budget.

Examine your income to make sure you are not missing out on any of your
entitlements.

Contact your creditors on your behalf with offers of payment if you are
not able to do it yourself.